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Windows 16 
was the 16th major version of Windows and the fourth Quantum version of the Windows lineup. It was a major update of Windows, with the goal of ensuring Windows would be ready for the transition to quantum computers that was coming in just a few years' time.
Windows 16 was one of Microsoft's best-selling operating systems since Windows 10. Its update rate was the highest since Windows 11, with over 70% of devices updating to Windows 16 in the first six months alone.
Windows 16 was called by many reviewers of the time to be truly refined and handcrafted for quantum machines. The Iris System was praised by many for being easy to use and set up.
New Features and Changes[]
- Windows no longer booted up from HDDs. Windows now requires an SSD to boot from. This change was first implemented in Windows 14 development versions but was later reverted.
- The boot up screen was removed for the most part and shows solid black due to the rise of fast SSDs. However, after a few seconds, it shows the Microsoft logo as the boot up screen.
- QuantumDrive, a new cloud drive to replace OneDrive that allows you to save files from any device, was introduced.
- This PC was renamed to This Device. All references to PCs have been removed to emphasize the fact that Windows is now universal.
- Major app updates to ensure the apps were ready for the future quantum transition.
- Plans to add a Mac subsystem were added but were thwarted by a lawsuit by Apple (Apple Inc. v. Microsoft Corporation).
- Dual-screen improvements, as dual-screen monitors became more common in the 2030s.
- A facial Iris System has been added. It was the single most-secure system, according to Microsoft.
- A much more powerful version of Copilot now powered using an AI model developed by Microsoft, was added to Windows 16. It was self-aware, which would spark concerns over AI rights and safety issues. While not yet AGI. It was a massive step-forward.
- Windows became the first OS to allow 16K support.
- The Quantum V4 kernel is far more powerful than the older versions, improving boot speed, stability, and performance.
- The Desktop and Interface have overhauled with the new "Kepler" Design language which is more flat then Fusion and is based "on the models of the Kepler Belt and Beyond"
Development[]
The development of Windows 16 began in 2041, as Windows 15 was nearing the end of its support. Microsoft's goal with Kepler was to revamp the OS once more like Windows 13 did a decade earlier.
On March 16, 2042, Microsoft introduced Kepler, calling it the biggest version of Windows since Windows 13. The UI was updated to be easier on the eye. Microsoft showcased the new Iris System, making passwords obsolete.
The first insider build came out the following month. Over the next few months, many more builds were rolled out to Insiders.
System Requirements[]
The system requirements of Windows 16 are the following:
| CPU | 26 GHz or faster Graphene CPU, 64 or more cores |
| GPU | Any GPU made after the early 2020s |
| RAM | At least 20GB |
| Storage | 10TB or larger storage device (SSDs only) |
Builds[]
Build 61295.1000 (22-03-2042)[]
The first Insider Build of Windows 16. This build has most of the features showcased at the event, except for the Iris System due to it's unfinished development at this point.
Build 61306.1000 (25-03-2042)[]
The second insider build of Windows 16. Below are some of the changes.
- Edge 200 or Edge Q4 was shipped. This one was far faster thanks to major changes in the memory management system.
- DirectX 20.
- Copilot was updated but is not yet self-aware.
- QuantumDrive was added.
Build 61314.1000 (04-04-2042)[]
Bug fixes and a couple of changes.
Build 61314.1010 (05-04-2042)[]
Service Updating.
Build 61321.1000 (12-04-2042)[]
Fourth Insider build. The Iris System was added, and several updates were made to apps to account for the Iris System. This was the final build of Windows with password support, as the next build removes passwords.
Build 61325.1000 (15-04-2042)[]
Fifth Insider Build. Passwords have been removed.
Build 61340.1000 (22-04-2042)[]
Sixth Insider Build. The Start Menu has been updated to support the Iris System. It also fixed a major flaw in the Iris System that would have allowed hackers to access the user's device.
Build 61345.1000 (04-05-2042)[]
Only May build, as development focused on refining Kepler for the incoming Copilot update. Mostly bug fixes and a couple of small changes to Edge and Widgets. The Dashboard from Windows 13 has gotten a major redesign.
Build 61450.1000 (06-06-2042)[]
Copilot became self-aware, which sparked concerns over safety and ethics. Demonstrations were held outside of Microsoft buildings around the world. A bill was introduced in the United States House of Representatives to limit the capabilities of artificial intelligence.
Build 61505.1 (22-06-2042)[]
Stability update. The branch was soon changed to In_release. The version number has been changed to "43H2."
Build 61510.1 (04-07-2042)[]
A few small changes have been made to the Dashboard and the Taskbar.
Build 61516.1 (05-07-2042)[]
Beta Channel Build.
Build 61520.1 (07-07-2042)[]
The first release preview build, as Windows 16 would soon be released. The RTM date of August 19th, 2043 was confirmed.
Build 61525.1 (11-07-2042)[]
The 14th Insider Build for Windows 16. Development froze as the last few bug fixes were implemented. This build was originally planned to be the RTM build, but was later changed.
Build 61526.1 (12-07-2042)[]
Bug fixes. Final RTM build of Windows 16.
Build 61526.25 (17-07-2042)[]
Update for the RTM build. The RTM build was one of the release candidates. However, due to a bug in the Iris System, another build was chosen, and the release was delayed.
Build 61526.100_svc_refresh (04-08-2042)[]
General Availability Build. Version for OEMs to ship with. This marked the end of the development of Windows 16. Soon afterward, the build was launched to Windows Update for all Windows 15 devices and most Windows 14 devices.
Feature updates[]
44H2 (Tin) (Sn_release) Build 63525.195[]
Iris System improvements such as improved scanning abilities for those with glasses. Updates to Copilot were made. The Taskbar got quite a big update. 3D View has been massively improved, allowing easy 3D printing.
45H2 (Antimony) (Sb_release) Build 66777.195[]
Theme updates. A new anti-virus system was added to ensure that the US (Universal System) was truly protected from any threat. 8K support has been further updated to account for the rapid rise of 8K screens.
45H2 (Cumulative Update)[]
Performance updates.
46H2 (Tellurium) (Te_release) Build 70068.657[]
46H2 was a major update to Windows 16. This update made the Start Menu clean and simple. It refined the user interface to be truly personal, allowing users to edit most areas of the interface and tailor it to their own needs, regardless of the device. This build was thus nicknamed "Winux 16" by the community.
47H2 (Iodine) (iodine_release) Build 72068.100[]
Last major update. The Iris System was updated once more. Copilot's intelligence now exceeds that of the average human being, once again sparking concerns and pushing legislators and President Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to pass the Artificial Intelligence Act.
48H2 (Iodine)[]
Bug fixes.
49H2 (Iodine)[]
Final update for Windows 16 as development switched to Windows 17. By this point, however, Windows 17 was out and had gotten two feature updates.
Gallery[]
